___ -^ 






66 FULTON STREET, 

Mew York, 



■+> » ■» 



■n 



VHff€JHi OTIBE 



Descriptive Catalogue 



OF 1 _^ 



^ If MMSB&^ 




JUNE, 1871. 



CIRCULARS FREE 

\ 



Munroe * Metz, Printers, 60 John Street, New York. 



In the year 1871, by the Stafford Manufacturing Company, in the Office of th 
of Congress atTWashington. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

am 

013 972 808 7 




NOTICE. 



Always keeping a large supply on hand, we can send immediately on 
receipt of orders. In writing be carehil to state plainly what you want, 
to avoid mistakes. By referring tb ithe Price Lists, you will find the 
name or number of each article with the price attached, which will 
enable you to order easily. 

We respectfully decline making marking-plates, steel stamps, burning- 
brands, seal-presses, and canceling stamps, for parties in the trade out 
of the city, as it delays other orders, and causes many unavoidable 
mistakes. 

We sell low, and depend on quick returns for our profit, and are 
compelled to do a cash business. You can send a P. 0. order or draft 
on New York, or we will send goods by express and collect amount on 
delivery. We send a bill of items per mail and state how and when 
goods were shipped. 

As a general thing, orders amounting to less than five dollars should 
be paid in advance, as Express Companies often refuse to collect bills 
less than that amount. 

Orders sent from a great distance should be accompanied by partial 
payment as a guarantee that goods will be taken. We will deduct any 
such amount from bill. 

Parties receiving goods are expected to pay Expressage. We pay 
charges for collecting and returning money. 

In ordering always state which express you wish goods sent by. 



Address, 



Stafford mpg go., 

66 FULTON STREET, 

USTETW YO 



nie blank parts a littlo with -. 



THE STENCIL BUSINESS 

Was formerly confined to cutting with chisels, acids or gravers, either process 
being slow, plates were expensive and little used. Since the introduction of dies, 
the business has been steadily increasing ; with them ordinary workmen can cut 
the majority of plates more rapidly than the most skillful are able to by hand. 

When dies are correctly made, the letters cut must necessarily bo uniform. 
With the increased facilities for cutting cheap and quick, plates are more gene- 
rally used. Freight and Express Companies, to avoid mistakes and solicit trade, 
buy plates in large quantities and present tbem to shippers. Merchants, in order 
to have goods plainly and uniformly marked, have their names and address cut 
and circulated among manufacturers and producers throughout the country. 
Each plate being numbered, by referring to their books it is easily ascertained by 
whom the goods were forwarded, while it gives no clue to others. 

Goods neatly marked are put on front shelves and have greater sales; what en- 
terprising tirms do, others are compelled to, or fall behind the age. 

Small dies were the first used to any extent. Although among the first who had 
an assortment, ten years ago we cut most of our large plates with chisels. Their 
manufacture being imperfectly understood, it was thought by many to be impos- 
sible to make large dies cut satisfactorily. Time and experience have overcome 
the difficulties, however. We worked gradually, until we had different sizes and 
styles, from the smallest to two inches, and cut nearly all plates, except the fancy 
letters, with them. 

With the increased sale of plates, there jn a greater demand for inks and 
brushes; articles, such as checks, tags, etc, are now sold by nearly all stencil 
cutters. Our principal business is supplying parties Avith Stencil loots and Stock. 
Having manufactured from the first, we have the advantage of the best machinery 
and long experience, and claim to furnish good and cheap articles throughout. 

MONEY EASILY MADE WITH STAFFORD'S STENCIL AND 
KEY-CHECK OUTFIT, 

Containing all the necessary Tools for cutting Name-PIates, Stamping Key-Checks, 4c, 

with which persons with ordinary mechanical skill, following our Instructions 

herein given, can do the work with little practice. 

The plates are wanted everywhere to mark Clothing, Books, &c. The demand 
is increasing, as they become more generally introduced. Rubbing the brush 
over the plate forces the ink deeply into the fabric. Many, not knowing where 
they can be obtained, will order when called upon. They will not go out of 
fashion. Each plate has to be made to order, and cannot be* kept for sale. New 
names are required ; and old plates are wearing out, consequently the market can 
never be overstocked. Many are making money at the business, and there is 
room for more. We have selected the best tools for the purpose, and it is easily 
learned with the instructions given. 

It affords a fine opportunity to travel, and can be easily connected with any 
other business. 

-beuJ.R.MOOllK Fannie Morrill. 

^ Ol X. 

1 cfg represent the size and style of Dies furnished with our outfit 
" ean be made with the tools furnished. Back-slant Dies we 
^ill make them to order at the price of straight. 



V 



4 STENCIL TOOLS AND ALL MATERIALS. 

The usual price of plates is from fifty cents to one dollar each. A quick Avork- 
man can cut from forty to fifty plates a day — some place the number much higher. 

The following amount of stock, costing less than seven dollars, will make a fair 
commencement, as it will average $70. 00 worth of work. 

100 bottles Indelible Iuk. 

100 Name-Plate Brushes. 

100 Zinc Frames (assorted.) 

1 lb. Brass or German Silver. 

FOR PRICES, SEE LIST. 

This amount of Stock, with the chest of Tools, occupies only about ten inches 
square space. We furnish any amount desired immediately on receipt of an order. 
All the work can be done in a hotel room. As the plates can be cut very rapidly, 
there must necessarily be LARGE PROFITS. 

We are aware that poor Dies can be bought for less than the prices given, but 
our outfit is composed of good Tools throughout. 

It is very important in Stencil cutting to look to the shape of the Dies as well 
as the cutting qualities. Besides the additional time required to cut with poor 
Dies, what person with any taste would order their name made with rough, poorly 
shaped letters, and difficult to read when finished ? We know of many who have 
been led to buy poor Tools, but soon threw them aside and bought the best. The 
greater number of orders which can be obtained, and time saved in cutting, and 
employed in canvassing, will soon pay the small difference in cost. You then 
have samples which you are not ashamed to show. 

We also put in tools for stamping Key Checks, which is as profitable as cutting 
plates. Being made and delivered at the same time, there is very little additional 
expense, compared with the increased profit. Consequently it is worth consider- 
able more than a Stencil outfit, allowing everything else to be equal. 

Persons purchasing the Dies can leave out articles not wanted and have the 
balance at List Price. 

PRICES AND CONTENTS. 

One Set Name-Plate Dies, Capitals, Lower Case, and Border Tools, with Black 
Walnut Block, for holding the same, .... $20 00 

One Set Key-Check Dies, Capitals, Border Tools, and Black Walnut Block, 
One Set Key -Check Figures, ...... 

Lignumvitse Block, for cutting plates on, ..... 

Polished Steel Block, for Standing Key-Checks and Flattening Name-Plates, 
Cast Steel Hammer, ....... 

Mallet, for flattening plates, ...... 

Shears, ......... 

Compasses, ........ 

Combination Square and Scroll Pattern, ..... 

Steel Scriber, ........ 

Chisel for Framing Name-Plates, ...... 

Stone for Rubbing back of Plates ..... 

Rubber for Sinking Plates in Frame, ..... 

Brush for Polishing Plates, ...... 

Morocco Case for holding Name-Plate Samples, .... 

Book for taking Orders, including Pencil and Rubber, 

Mahogany Box for Holding Outfit ; Tin Tray inside, with partitions for 



7 00 


2 00 


1 00 


1 25 


50 


20 


50 


30 


30 


10 


40 


JO 


20 


2') 


1 25 


20 


4 50 



$40 00 



We do not put Ink, Brushes, &c, with the Tools, as it is not the prorw" 
to keep them— the amount which could be put in without increas^ 
Chest would not last long, and by accidentally breaking a b^ 
covered with ink. 



^ae blank parts a little saath > 



STAFFORD MF'G CO., 66 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK. 5 

For prices of Dies, Brushes, Indellible Ink, Stencil Paste, Alphabets, Brass, 
German Silver, Zinc Frames, Steel Rings, Key Chains, Hotel and Key-Checks, 
and all Stencil Materials, see full Price Lists. 

To those who do not care to purchase a complete set of Stencil and Key-Check 
Tools, but would like to test the matter at a small expense, or connect a light 
profitable business with that in which they are already engaged, we can offer our 
Excelsior or Gem Outfits which come within the reach of all. 

As the amount invested is small, and the profits large, either will pay well even 
if comparatively little used. 

The checks, costing from two to three cts. each, sell, when finished, from 25 to5U 
cents. With the instructions we give, any person of ordinary intelligence can 
finish one in 10 to 15 minutes. 



Excelsior Key Check Outfit, $15 00. 

CONTENTS: 

One Set Key-Check Dies, Letters, Figures and Border Tools, with Black Walnut 

Block, for holding the same. 
Key-Check Gauge, No. 1. 
Cast Steel Hammer. 
Compasses. 
Brass Rule. 
Steel Scriber. 

Book for taking Orders, including Pencil and Rubber. 
Mahogany Box, for holding Outfit, Tin Tray inside, with partitions for Tools, 

Handle, good Lock, Brass Hinges and Hooks. 

As this Chest and contents is worth abcut $17.00, we cannot sell part of the 
same at less than list price. 



Gem Outfit, $12.00. 

CONTENTS : 

One Set Key-Check Dies, Letters, Figures and Border Tools, with Black Walnut 
Block for holding the same. 
Key-Check Gauge, No. 2. 
Cast Steel Hammer. 
Mahogany Box for holding Outfit, good Lock, Brass Hinges and Hooks. 

This Outfit occupies a small space (weighing about five pounds), and is particu- 
larly adapted for stamping Went worth's Key Ring and Check combined. A small 
stock of either Checks or Rings will answer*for a beginning. 

The Key~Check Ganges are used for stamping on Checks, Tags, &c, on 
correct straight or curved lines, saving time and turning out finer work than 
Wien done in the usual way. As the check is held firmly under the Steel Gauge, 
" ^ of lettering is true. They enable parties to use small letters in a poor 
1 "training the eyes, and render it unnecessary to mark lines for let- 












6 STENCIL TOOLS AND ALL MATERIALS. 

Key-Check Gauge, No. I. 

The extended surface on this Gauge answers for flattening Name-Plates or 
stamping large checks. 




lillii*^ 



DIRECTIONS. 

Place the article to be stamped on the metal block (a), under the clamp (6), 
at either of the straight or curved lines you wish to use, and fasten with the 
screw (c). Place the die against the clamp when stamping, and the line ot let- 
tering must be true, It is best to place a check under the other side to secure an 
even bearing. 

Key-Check Gauge, No. 2. 

This is adapted for stamping names, etc., on both sides of Wentworth't 
Key Ring, Eagle, Am. Shield and Fancy Shield Checks, No. 3 Trunk Plates 
No'. 3 Badge, etc. By having an extra plate from the No. 1 Gauge, nearly al 
kinds of key checks can be stamped. 



DIRECTIONS. 

Place the Ring or Check to be 
"stamped on the metal block (D), 
under the clamp (E), at either of 
the straight or curved lines you 
wish to use, and fasten with the 
screw (F). Place the die against 
the clamp when stamping, as the 
ring or check is held firmly the 
line of lettering must be true. 
It is best to place a check under 
the other side to secure an even 
bearing. 




..ae blank parts a littV with 



STAFFORD MF'G CO., 66 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK. 7 

Stafford's Stencil Gauge (Patent). 

This is used in cutting small plates. The plate is not weakened or marred by 
a hue drawn across— it is easily shifted to any part of the cutting block. Parties 
who can cut well without it, will had it advantageous when catting in a poor light 
or when the eyes have become strained. . 

DIRECTIONS. 

Place the plate (ai in the 
clamps (bb). Fasten with 
the screws (cc), stretch the 
plate by sliding the holder 
{d) on the rod (/;, fasten 
with the set screw (e) ; slide 
the gauge {g) where you 
wish to cut, place the die 
against the gauge, hold 
the gauge down with 

£ ™iVwS ng f l the " cut i n the usual manner: as the gauge slides on a true line, it is not necessary 
ILT V he P i ate - T? CUt a ' v ter Y hlch P ro Jects below the hue. slide the gauge one side, or throw it 
before. more than one hue, loosen the plate, elide it up the required distance, aid fasten a" 

STENCIL DIES.-Name-PlateSizs. 

;- -<^^ ., 

•<( D.Tj.Aorton )). 

Fannie Morrill. J.ll.MOOHE 

CN.HAllllISON i inch Capitals. 
tT.O.M OUT ON. -h Capital, 




11 



STENCIL BORDER AND FANCY TOOLS, 



• 



U 



*8~ 



~ * 1 



17 



19 



t I X 



No?. 1,2,3,4,9 each, 50 

11 5,6,7,8,10,12 •' 75 

u 11, 13, 14, 15 " l 00 

" 16, 17, IS.- " 1 25 

" 1920 " ] 50 

The larger sizes are hollow faced. 



AA 

The following cuts represent the 
style of t onr large Roman Capitals, 
varying m size from i to 2 inches, all 
ol which are hollow 



A A 



o 2 inches, all SSL 

faced. Made &K& 

A A J. 




^ihe^ife "oflCTV^ 111 w ad i i]y **} thTOU S h ai ^ thickness of brass 
^^ SS j£l I e " + T We „ haTe > for our own use, a large assortment 
^d style from the smallest to two inches. 






8 STENCIL TOOLS AND ALL MATERIALS; 

the medium sizes for about one-half the price of steel. capitals • 

t+ ia not nrtvisable to cret lower case letters to match any but the small capitals , 

tbev are of nJ Se separate. By having different sizes of capitals, you can use 

**$ft*W« for CuttifW tocti JPtaJes are in sets of 25, assorted straight 
and ciived/ Sting linie particularly adapted for cutting stencils, leaving a 
smooth edge, and" stretching the plate much less than ordinary tools. 

Steel Stamps are letters and figures, for ^W^™^ e d ^5J fo r 
metal and ayooc! surfaces. Our stamps for checks &c. are ^ ^P^ 1 ^ 1 . 
the purpose, light face letters of uniform shape and size, cut deeper than oi 
nary stamps. 



DESIGNS OF KEY-CHECK EMBLEM DIES. 



21 

22 : 



23 «0 




$1 00 
1 00 
1 00 

1 25 



28 OQO 

29 rz^SX- 



$1 50 
2 00 



34 




$2 50 



- 5 00 



00 



26— Masonic. 
27 — Mechanics. 



28— Odd Fellows. 
32 — Temperance. 
33—Good Templars. 



34— Eed Men. 
25— Knights of 
36— Knights of 



Malta.. 
Pythia 



HOTEL AND KEY-CHECKS, 



Key Stone. 
German Silver 



Plain Shield. 
German Silver. 



f< 






*AA)° 



cxie blank parts a littlo with a 



STAFFORD MF'G CO., 66 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK 
No. 2, Brass. No. 4, Brass. 



9 



American Shield. 

German Silver. 

(Patent.) 




No.3Badee.Ger. Si 1. 




No. 1, Brass. 




No. 3, Brass. 

; T .. : i I ' ,, ; ! ■ ! '>■ i . I Mi'll HI H IlS 

r 




Eagle, German Silver. 



No. 1, Fancy Shield. 
German Silver. 





No. ], German Silver. 




10 



STENCIL TOOLS AND ALL MATERIALS. 



"SEVEN BOYS PUZZLE" CHECK. 

This Check is saleable as a puzzle, and has room at the top for stamping name 
aud address, for attaching to keys, &c. Being ornamental in appearance, it can 
be worn on a watch chain, with or without stamping. Although there are only 
three heads, seven boys can be distinctly seen. 

2" BOX, {S'cV 




No. 5, Brass. 





* 8 & 




' HSrf 


$ 5 c * 

M ° m 




MBS2 WmF ^ 






a 


life 

» J to »b> * J 2 * 




i?even Boys Puzzle 


?•' 




German Silver. 


Brass Hat Check 


(Patent.) 


(Patent.) 







AFFORD MF'G CO., 66 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK. 



It 



left f< 



Haft 




The German Silver Checks, on whicb can be stamped the name and ad- 
dress of parties, are principally for attaching to bunches of keys. 

The iVo. 2, 3, 4: and 5 Brass are used as baggage or hotel checks, and 
numbered in duplicate, one is attached by a strap to a trunk, coat, or other valu- 
able left in trust, the other given to the person owning the' property. 

The iVo, 1 Brass is principally for attaching to door keys. This and the 
No. 1 German Silver are used by jewelers as watch checks, being numbered in 
duplicate, one is permanently attached to a hook or snap, the other so held that 
it can be removed when required. 

All of the above named checks are used for various purposes too numerous to 
mention. We occasionally add new and original designs to our stock. 

Our Patent Gentle Reminder Checks are for attaching to room keys 
of hotels, steamboats, &c, where they are liable to be carried away by persons 
using them. The checks heretofore used are either too small to answer the pur- 
pose, or large and clumsy, and have an awkward appearance. The teeth on this 
check add to its ornamental appearance, and give a gentle reminder to persons 
who forget to leave the key. 

The T runic Plate is for putting a name and address, or other matter, on 
Trunks, Valises, Tool Chests, Drawers, &c, and fastened either by nails or screws. 

The Hat Checks are attached to Hats, &c , left in trust. The large and small 
rings are numbered to correspond. "When an article is left, the loose check is 
given to the person leaving the article. By sliding the small check it fastens the 
clamp. When the article is called for, it is identified by comparing the No. on 
the check, presented with the one on the clamp. 

Without the loose check, the clamp is used for hanging up articles in stores and 
L1 ^r places. 

m ° Straps are for attaching checks to trunks and other articles. 



12 



\ 
STENCIL TOOLS AND ALL MATERIALS. 

KEY EINGS, &c. 



V 




Small. 



Key Ring and Check Combined. 
German Silver, Patent. 



Watch Hook. 



Wenthworth's Key Ring and Check Combined. Patent. 

The sale of these Rings is now large, and rapidly increasing. They give gene- 
ral satisfaction when used, and possess the following good qualities : 

They are a Key Ring and Check combined. Being flat, there is room for a 
name and address to be stamped or engraved on either side. 

They can be easily opened or securely locked by simply turning the slotted 
washer at the top. When turned to the right, the riug can be sprung open side- 
wise, enough to admit of large keys being passed in or out without injury to the 
ring. 

They are made of eighteen per cent. German Silver, and will not rust, corrode, 
break, or spread apart, as all steel rings are liable to, and are one of the strongest 
and most durable rings r^ade. 

These rings are put up in boxes of one gross each, one dozen on card, half of 
each size as shown in cut. With the use of our new gauge, the name or address 
can be more easily stamped than on ordinary checks. 

Large Rings are put up (12 on a card), assorted sizes, f to l£ inches diam- 
eter. 

Diamond Mings are put up in about the same sizes and style as the large 
ones, are cut diamond pattern on the edges. 

Swan Bill Mings are put up (6 on a card), assorted sizes, 1 to 1$ inches 

diameter. 

Medium Mings are put up (24 on a card), two sizes, as shown in cut. 
Small Mings are same size as cut, put up one gross in box, w 1 
principally for attaching checks to large rings. 



STAFFORD MF'G CO., 66 FULTON STREET, NEW YORK. 



13 



Watch Hooks are used for connecting checks with watches, or other articles 
left for repair. 

Key Chains are steel chains about five inches long. Bv connectiuo- the ends 
they answer the purpose of a large steel ring, and being pliable, take less room. 
Brass Chain Links are used for attaching checks to keys. 




Marking Brushes are used with liquid ink for directing and markine 
boxes, <fcc. ° ° 




Stencil Brushes Laving the bristles cut square at the ends. Are adapted for 
taking impressions without blotting like an ordinary paint brush. They vary in 
size from about £ to 2£ inches in diameter, have wood handles and the bristles 

firmly secured in a tin tube. 




No. 1, Wood Handle. 

Name Plate Brushes are used with small plates tor clothing &c and are 

made ot fine bristles or horse hair. We have different styles. 

Name Plate Brass is narrow, generally live inches, it beiuir diidculfc to 
roll thin metal wide ; it cuts from 150 to 200 small plates to the pound. 

German Silver, for cutting name plates, like brass for that purpose is thin 
and narrow. l l ' 

Heavy Brass, for cutting large stencils, varies from about 12 to 18 inches in 
width ; being more waste in cutting plates from narrow metal there is no ad- 
vantage in having it less than 12 inches wide ; it is put np in rolls weighing ID 
to lo pounds ; we cut it to order if desired. &*""S 

S f afford>s Stencil Paste is made in cakes of 
difiereur sizes and colors, and used bv merchants ship- 
pers, millers, and others using stencil plates; being 
in a solid form, it is not wasted bv leakage or upse£ 
ting as liquids are. When one cake is used up, others 
can be obtained to fit the can. It is cheaper than 
other ink, one cake of No. 1 being equal to a gallon of 
liquid. It will keep in any climate without evapora- 
tion or waste, works freely, does not gum the plate or 
h, and will make a cleaner impression, as it does 
lot like liquid ink. 

sections for Using,— After wettiug the brush 
vater from the sponge, rub it over the ink uutil 
dent quantity adheres. 






14 STENCIL TOOLS AND ALL MAERIALS, 

Indelible Ink is put, in regular indelible ink bottles (not the light drug- 
gists' vials) ; sizes of eight ounces and upwards are put up in tin cans to prevent 
breakage. It is very important for parties cutting plates for marking clo thing to 
give good ink. Some canvassers make their own, but it does not pay, as the 
time can be more profitably spent in canvassing, or other ways. We, having 
every facility for manufacturing and buying the materials in large quantities, 
can make every thing much cheaper than could possibly be done in a small way. 
From the increased demand for our ink from all -parts of the country, we know 
it to be a superior article. Persons doubting this can easily be convinced by try- 
ing it, following the printed directions. 

Brass Alphabets and Figures. — We have just completed our !■£ inch 
lower case dies, and are now prepared to fill orders for Brass Alphabets of that 
size. These are separate stencil letters or figures (varying in size from £ to 2$ 
inches,) cut in sheet brass, put up in sets, letters and figures separate. They 
are sold by the set, and extensively used throughout the country for different 
kinds of marking. Fancy letters or sizes larger than 23 inches being cut by 
hand, cost more. 

Zinc Frames are for putting around small stencils to stiffen them. We 
make 22 sizes, varying in length and width, for plates of different styles. 

LignumvitcB is the best wood for cutting stencil plates on, either with dies 

— — urjchisels, other wood being too soft, and metal injurious to the tools. The 

blocks for small dies are about 2 inches thick and 8 inches diameter, sold by the 

piece. Larger ones range from 3 to 10 inche3 thick, 10 to 15 inches diameter, and 

are sold by the pound. 

BlovJcs for Holding Dies are bored with holes large enough to hold the 
dies, and far enough apart to prevent striking together. 

Sample Hooks for Name Plates are morocco covered cases, lined with 
velvet, and large enough to hold 8 samples, each being held in its place by 
an elastic cord. The plates can be easily removed for polishing or other pur- 
poses. They show to good advantage, and are not apt to be soiled by handling 
as when carried loose. One side is often used for impressions and the other for 
plates, or there is room enough to lay the impressions in loose and use both sides 
for plates. 

Paper Bowes for JVame Plates are large enough to hold the plate, ink 
and brush, and have the directions for using on the cover. Being rather bulky 
they are seldom used by traveling cutters. 

Steel Blocks are polished on one side, for flattening plates with a mallet or 
stamping checks, tags, &c, on ; size, 2| by 4i inches, and I of an inch thick. 

Compasses are useful in spacing and marking lines for letters on plates or 
checks. 

Finishing Stones are for rubbing the back of small plates after cutting, to 
removeany burr or sharp edges there might be. 

Polishing Bruslies are used for polishing plates and checks. The dirt or 
color remaining on the brush after use is sufficient to take an impression from a 
plate on paper for a sample. 

Chisels for Framing Name Plate are used for clinching the plate on 
the frame. 

Bubber is used, in connection with the metal in the opening of the frame 
which is put around small plates. 

The Combination Square and Scroll Pattern is a br, °s square, t 
enough to answer for a rule in cutting up narrow metal, a** - 'Hug ■"" 
cut the letters on. The inside of the square has tfi 1 ** * :J? " 
for lines of letters to be cut on scrolls. / 

Hammers are used for cutting with chisels a/ 

Mallets are used for flattening all kinds of ~- 

Shears are used for cutting up the sheet 
-plates. 

Steel Scribers are used for marking the 11 
scribing different patterns on the plate prepar 



cue blank parts a little with a 
^o of iron or stone, and flatten with ■<. 
m. long, 2 in. wide, and the thickness of 
and same length as steel. 



HINTS TO CANVASSERS. 

^u to say where a person can do best. We are sending materials to all parts of the c<- 
^ere is not much difference in quantities ordered from different locations. Some or r * 
_l others in any locality. The plates are wanted everywhere, and it is oiily necessary t v per c 
to exert himself a little and take orders. One cannot expect to do well at any business). is the. 

are persevering and willing to work where there is a chance to make money. You can judg\ it aftei 
trying a place for a short time. While some can do well among all classes, others may hav- ore in- 
fluence and get better prices by selecting their canvassing grounds. In addition to the new t. v comers 
in want of these articles, plates are being lost or worn out, children growing up who need them, and 
young ladies changing their names. If you cut a plate or stamp a key tag for one in the family, the 
others are pretty sure to want one also. 

The better judge of human nature one is. and able to gain the confidence of the person with whom 
he is dealing, the better canvasser he wall make. The main point is to get persons interested, and 
convince them that you are not trying to deceive. The best way to do that is to act honest, alwav 
doing what you promise. You can then approach a person with more confidence, and notjg"" as v 
to go over the same ground often. Some require a little talking to get them to or/ .^ ^ ' _». 
never alter their minds after once refusing, by any amount of argument. To be abT ... judge con. 
in such cases should be your constant study. fe&ft 

Before starting out, see that your samples are polished and neatly arranged. They will produce a 
better impression, and are more apt to create a desire for one. 

Be careful to take orders correctly. Persons are seldom willing to pay for their own mistake; if 
yours, there is the trouble and delay of making another plate. The coloring remaining on the brush 
after polishing a plate, is sufficient to take an impression on paper for samples. Do not show many 
different styles of plates ; persons in hestitating which one to select, will often decide not to have 
either ; a few samples bearing a rather strong contrast, will enable them to decide easily. 

You will probably have inquiries for script plates ; but good ones are generally cut by hand : dies 

r that purpose being expensive, and liable to break. These plates do not last long, and the quantity 

ink which can be printed through the hair lines is generally insufficient to remain indelible. 

Give good indelible ink with your plates, you can then get orders through the recommendation of 

rties you have supplied. 

German silver makes a much finer appearing plate than brass, and the difference in cost is very 
. i jail. 

Put a fair sized zinc frame around your plate instead of a very small one which some use ; the ad- 
ditional expense will not exceed one-half cent per name ; the plate looks much better, and can be 
used without getting the fingers smeared with ink. 

In fact, the cost of all the materials is so trifling, it will pay best to give a good article throughout. 

It often happens that a good mechanic does not possess the faculty lor a successful canvasser, and 
Vice versa. By two associating themselves together, one taking and delivering orders, while the other 
does the work, often do better than where one attends to all; or you can locate temporarily in a place 
and secure the services of good canvassers, by advertising or otherwise. Allow them a good com- 
mission (say one-half the retail price of the plates), they will then have an inducement to exert 
themselves, and you devoting yourself entirely to cutting make plenty of money. Do a cash 

business with your agents; you can then leave as soon as t jiiace is thoroughly canvassed. 

Some make money by selling out at favorable opportunities, We can send another outfit imme- 
diately, f 

STAFFORD MFG CO., / 

66 Fulton Street, 

NEW YORK. 



FOR CUTTING SMALL Pi... 

3 too} fed in framing and finishing a plate is a ma. 
~ent ' J; it is best for persons to follow the course by . 
test ' j as in taking orders much depends on the appeara^ 
owinf fctions are satisfactory and easily followed. The rules *. 
'e of t (ols ought to be observed in using all dies, to avoid injury. ^ 
Is, tl te liable to be broken by rough handling, whereas a good set with o±^_ 
"TOii. /an occasional break, ought to last for years. We give the directions mm^. 
xes to /e dies with such other tools as they have. With our full stencil outfit we furnio^ 
d dies, all the necessary tools, of the best quality, securely packed in a mahogany box. 
Cut your sheet-brass or German-silver in pieces a trifle larger than the zinc frame you wish to us^ . 
Leave more to spare at the ends, to allow for names of different lengths. 

Mark a single line lightly on the plate, with the steel scribe, a trifle below the centre. If you bear 
too heavy, or use too sharp a scribe, the letters are liable to break out. 

Place your lignumvitse block on a bench or table, at a height Avhich will enable you to sit nearly 
upright, in order to see your work and not become tired by stooping. Hitting with the right side 
siightly inclined to the light, is the best position to see your work. 

A few thicknesses of paper or cloth under the block will steady it, and deaden the sound. 
Keep your dies in alphabetical order, in the block bored with holes, put eac;h letter in its place after 
'«ing to avoid confusion. 

T « from the length of the name about what distance from the end to cut the first letter. 
.<3 u. ^"rpendicular, with the bottom of the letter on the line, the third finger upon the plate 
oteadyit; sti^s a rather sharp, quick but not very heavy. blow. If the die does not cut through 
the first time, flatten the plate down by a slight blow of the hammer, place it over a smooth place on 
the block, and try again; do not strike twice while holding the die in the same position, as it is apt to 
drive it in the block and break the plate, or split the die. Do not incline the die on either side where 
part of a letter does not cut readily, there is danger of breaking the tool. In putting borders around 
names, cut the leading parts first and fill in afterwards. 

' WheD you have finished cutting, before flattening with a mallet, rub the back of the letters lightly 
with a small piece of dry stone to remove any rough edges, then flatten with a mallet on the steel 
block; next place the back of the plate against the zinc frame, with name in centre of opening, 
and with shears cut off the edges of the plate leaving one-eighth (V) of an inch margin all round. 
Next clip the corners close to the frame, to avoid two thicknesses of metal. Then lay the plate, fal 
down, frame on top, on the steel, and with the chisel turn the projecting edges over on the fran 
holding down with the fingers to prevent slipping. When well clinched on the frame turill 
right side up, place the piece of rubber over the top, and flatten with mallet, until the name 
sunk through the opening in the frame even with the back, or lays flat on the steel. 
Polish with any material giving a fine finish, and the plate is completed. 

Do not polish on your cntting block, or allow the polishing material to come in contact with the dies, 
as any grit injures the cutting edge. It is better to have a small piece of zinc or other smooth metal 
for the purpose. If polished on an uneven surface, it will show on the face of the plate. 

GENERAL RULES. 

Do not use a heavy hammer for small dies, though it may seem easier for you to do so from habit, 
you can not cut as well, and there is more danger of breaking the tools. Do not cut on lead, block tin 
or other metals ; they are likely to be so hard as to dull the dies, or break off part of the letters, or 
else so soft as to penetrate the openings and split them apart. A good block of lignumvitse wood, 
ibout two inches thick, and kept smooth by occasional turning off the face or scraping with any suit- 
able tool, is the best to cut on. For larger ones six inches or more is all the better. In case any of 
your dies will not cut readily, do not try to face or sharpen them yourself. 

It is best to send to proper places and have them sharpened. In case dirt or brass should 
lodge in parts of the die, do not use any hard metal point to clean them out, as it injures the cutting 
edge. A good stiff brush or sharpened piece of wood is the best. When you spoil a plate by mistake, 
save the pieces to practice cutting on. 

IN CUTTING WITH LARGE DIES 

Follow the same general rules as given for the small ones, varying to suit the size and style of plates. 
The hammer used should be as large across the face as the size of the letter. Use a large block, 
placed on a solid foundation, keep the surface smooth and level. If hollowing, the dies will not cut 
equal on all parts, and there is danger of breaking. Do not allow the letters to get filled with dirt 
kc. By occasionally oiling the cutting edges with best sperm oil, they will cut better. Keep them in 
blocks, bored with holes far enough apart to keep them from striking together. Make the holes a 
trifle larger than the shank of the dies, as in long use they become battered on the end from ham- 
mering, and require more room. 

CUTTING WITH CHISELS 

"e and skill, developed by studv ?>^d practice, as all other kinds ot engraving. 

plates ^- + +'ew can dr- haped, plain or fancy letters, tastefully ar- 

**" rking. However, as the majority of stencils 

ne can do very w ell with a good set of straight 

e letters with stencil patterns. Our machine 

rst flatten the edges of the letters down 

side up in a block of wood answers every 

es the metal near the letters, to get it flat/ 



Steel Scribers are used tor inanuuj; me n { 
scribing different patterns on the plate prepay 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




013972 808 7 



Hollinger Corp. 
P H8.5 



